ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    MUMBAI: Indian cricket maestro and RCB long-timer  Virat Kohli switched teams. The 36 year old has pulled the plug on his eight-year partnership with Puma, and has reportedly put his best foot forward to back Agilitas Sports, an Indian athleisure startup. The star batter, currently in red-hot form in IPL 2025, is now not just the face of Agilitas but also an investor, signalling a bold move to champion homegrown brands.

    Agilitas was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, Puma India’s former managing director. The brand has already made waves, securing long-term rights for Italian sportswear giant Lotto in India, Australia, and South Africa. Now, with Kohli on board, Agilitas is gearing up for a serious innings in the global sportswear arena.

    Kohli’s split from Puma marks the end of a landmark Rs 110 crore deal that revolutionised Indian sports marketing. The partnership saw him lead multiple campaigns and launch the popular One8 line, a crucial driver in Puma’s rise in the Indian market.

    Puma acknowledged the departure, thanking Kohli for an “outstanding journey filled with memorable campaigns and collaborations.” The brand vowed to continue investing in the next generation of athletes.

    Meanwhile, Kohli remains focused on both his new business venture and his cricketing form. The RCB stalwart has racked up 180 runs in his last five IPL innings and is set to face Rajasthan Royals on 13 April.

    Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, Kohli continues to rewrite the game.

  • Fortune Soya Chunks unites Sourav Ganguly and chef Sanjyot Keer

    Fortune Soya Chunks unites Sourav Ganguly and chef Sanjyot Keer

    MUMBAI: Fortune Soya Chunks, has launched a one-of-a-kind video conversation featuring cricket icon Sourav Ganguly and renowned chef Sanjyot Keer.

    The 45-minute digital film dives into Ganguly’s personal journey, blending food, memories, and the power of nutrition—especially protein’s role in both athletic and everyday life.

    AWL Agri Business Ltd head – media & digital marketing Jignesh Shah, shared, “This video is not only outstanding, it also represents more than just a conversation. It’s a celebration of nutrition, versatility, and the powerful stories that connect food with achievement. As a rich source of protein, Fortune Soya Chunks embodies the spirit of eating healthy with a hatke twist. Through this remarkable interaction with Ganguly, we highlight how nutrition can fuel both sporting excellence and everyday life. As we celebrate 25 years of Fortune, this video reinforces our commitment to offering meaningful, inspiring content that resonates with Indian households.”

    Far from a standard celebrity campaign, the film offers an intimate, relatable perspective on Ganguly’s life through the lens of cuisine—paired with Keer’s culinary expertise and personal reflections.

    Ganguly noted, “Nutrition has always been a cornerstone of my career. Staying fit on and off the field is essential, and I believe food plays a huge part in that. It’s an honour to be a part of this conversation with Fortune Soya Chunks. These chunks are not only healthy, but also versatile enough to be part of any meal, whether it’s a quick snack or a special dish shared with loved ones.”

    As a protein-rich and highly adaptable ingredient, Fortune Soya Chunks are designed for both athletes and health-focused consumers, with dishes spanning from traditional Indian to global fusion. This echoes the brand’s philosophy of ‘Banao Kuchh Hatke’ reimagining everyday meals with health and flair.
     

  • Crompton’s eyes shut & trust campaign makes a cool case for air coolers

    Crompton’s eyes shut & trust campaign makes a cool case for air coolers

    MUMBAI:  When it comes to beating the heat, India doesn’t sweat the choice—it’s Crompton, eyes shut or at least that’s what the brand would like us to believe. The brand’s latest campaign, aankh band karke le lo, plays on trust as its air coolers promise  jaldi cooling, delivering an instant summer escape.

    With temperatures set to soar—India’s meteorological department warns of a sizzling season—consumers are likely to be on the hunt for fast, effective cooling. Crompton, India’s No 1 brand in fans and residential pumps, knows a thing or two about airflow. Its air coolers, powered by top-notch engineering, are built to take the heat head-on.
     

    Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd  CMO Tanmay Prusty said,: “Every summer brings its own set of challenges, with soaring temperatures making it essential for consumers to find a cooling solution they can trust. Dependable cooling is more than just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Fan and  pumps are the heart of any air cooler and as India’s No. 1 brand in this area, we don’t just understand cooling; we perfect it. Backed by our expertise in airflow technology, Crompton air coolers are designed to deliver powerful, long-lasting performance, even in peak summer. Our latest campaign, aankh bandh karke le lo, embodies the deep trust that generations of consumers have placed in Crompton— knowing that they can depend on us with absolute confidence. Through this campaign, we celebrate the assurance that comes with a brand that consistently delivers on its promise. With the refreshing power of jaldi cooling, Crompton air coolers ensure a cooling experience so reliable that it needs no second thought.”

    The ad film cleverly dramatises this blind faith. A couple, braving the summer sun, spots people everywhere buying Crompton air coolers—eyes shut, radiating calm. Their curiosity leads them to a store, where a salesman delivers the clincher: “India ke No.1 fans aur pumps ka bharosa hai… aankh band karke le lo.” 

    Cut to their home, basking in the cool breeze, eyes closed in pure bliss.

    BBDO India  chairperson & CCO Josy Paul said, “Our task was to drive awareness for Crompton in the air coolers category. The challenge was to rise above the noise of ‘sameness’ in the category, while building on our current proposition of jaldi cooling. We focused on the one thing that differentiates Crompton from the others – we are the leading players and expert in fans and residential pumps with a legacy of over eight  decades. It was about Crompton’s expertise coupled with their time-tested trust. From these core values was born our creative idea – you can buy our air coolers with your eyes closed.”

    Airing across TV, digital, print, OOH, and cinemas, the campaign makes one thing clear: when it’s cooling, it’s Crompton—no peeking required.

  • Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    MUMBAI: A tech topping on a global pizza, Yum! Brands is stirring the pot in India with a spicy leadership update. The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill has appointed Manish Jain to lead its digital and technology (D&T) India Global Capability Centre (GCC).

    Jain will take charge of Yum!’s India-based digital operations and shared services, bringing to the table over two decades of experience spanning the US, Malaysia and India. He will report directly to James Watts, chief people officer, Yum! digital & technology.

    Yum!’s D&T India GCC is a crucial cog in the company’s global engine, tasked with building tech solutions and supporting services across all Yum! brands. Jain’s appointment marks a strategic step forward in reinforcing India’s position as a digital powerhouse for the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant.

    “I am honored to take on this role and excited to help build the India Global Capability Centre in support of Yum! Brands’ strategy for good growth and its goal to be an employer of choice in the region,” Manish Jain said.

    Before joining Yum!, Jain served as service director for the Asia-Pacific region and India country head at Getronics International, overseeing customer success and shared services. He was also the founding director of BT Group’s Global Business Services unit in India, where he spent over 10 years scaling operations from the ground up.

    With Jain at the helm, Yum! Brands aims to not just scale digitally but serve up innovation with a side of world-class culture. His appointment is expected to bolster the GCC’s ambitions in tech development and shared services, reinforcing India’s growing influence in global operations.

  • Britannia Nutrichoice unveils bold new look with Face the Facts campaign

    Britannia Nutrichoice unveils bold new look with Face the Facts campaign

    MUMBAI: Britannia Nutrichoice is shaking things up on supermarket shelves with its bold new ‘Face the Facts’ campaign a refreshing take on snacking that’s as honest as it gets.

    The brand’s revamped packaging throws pretence out the window, confidently declaring, ‘We’re a cookie, and proud of it!’ No exaggerated health halos or super food comparisons just a whole wheat, high fibre snack you can actually enjoy without second guessing.

    Conceptualised by Lowe Lintas, the campaign embraces transparency and a straight talking approach, setting a new tone for mindful indulgence without guilt tripping consumers into unrealistic expectations.

    Britannia Industries Ltd. general manager, marketing Archana Balaraman stated, “Our Face the Facts campaign goes beyond a simple visual update. It is about opening a clear and direct dialogue with our consumers. The new Nutrichoice packaging is a reflection of our honest approach it sets the tone right from the first glance, without dressing things up. We want to empower consumers with knowledge, allowing them to confidently incorporate our cookies into their daily snack time.”

    Lowe Lintas president (creative), Vasudha Misra added, “With this packaging refresh, we wanted to cut through the noise and simply put the truth out there. It’s about empowering our consumers with clear information, so they can feel good about enjoying a Britannia Nutrichoice with their daily chai.”

    By embracing clarity and rejecting gimmicks, Britannia Nutrichoice celebrates the simple joy of snacking no filters, just facts.

  • Eventfaqs Media acquires majority stake in Sportzpower

    Eventfaqs Media acquires majority stake in Sportzpower

    MUMBAI: In a plot twist worthy of a prime-time sports drama, Eventfaqs Media has levelled up by acquiring a majority stake in Sportzpower—the B2B media brand that’s been quietly powering India’s sports, gaming, and esports chatter since before it was cool. It’s a move that blends backstage brilliance with front-page action, and positions both companies to tackle the subcontinent and the middle east like a well-coordinated tag team.

    The announcement dropped on 11 April 2025, but the game plan is far from a last-minute Hail Mary. Eventfaqs, the heavyweight in India’s events and experiential marketing circuit since 2007, has made it clear: this acquisition is about scaling the turf and owning the spotlight across new markets.

    “We are very excited to take a majority stake in Sportzpower and partner with the brand to assist it in achieving its goals,” said Eventfaqs Media MD Deepak Choudhary. “It is a unique collaboration that will benefit both the brands in our quest to be the leaders in our businesses in the sub-continent and the Middle East markets.”

    Founded in 2008, Sportzpower built its niche through deep dives into India’s sports industry—be it cricket, football, golf or esports—delivering analysis, forums, newsletters, and more to the suits behind the stadium lights. With their signature single-sport knowledge series and dedicated forums like India Football Forum and India Pro Leagues Forum, they’ve made business-speak out of sport-speak.

    Sportzpower co-founder Thomas Abraham called the deal “a thrilling moment”, adding, “It comes at an opportune time as the sports sector is growing at a scorching pace in India, and the middle east countries are now establishing their interest and growing in multiple sports, including cricket.”

    Meanwhile, fellow co-founder C.P. Thomas sees the move as a launchpad. “This collaboration… will propel Sportzpower to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative in India and beyond for these new-age industries,” he said. Translation: it’s not just about reporting the news—it’s about making it.

    The synergy here isn’t just corporate fluff. Eventfaqs brings its multi-channel muscle—across digital, print, and live events—to help Sportzpower step into the international arena with bigger conferences, broader audiences, and brighter lights. And with gaming and esports booming faster than a T20 innings, timing couldn’t be sharper.

    The goal? To become the dominant voice in the B2B media landscape of sport, gaming, and experiential marketing.

    Think less press release, more power play.

  • Havas kicks off Q1 2025 with a 2.1 per cent growth spurt

    Havas kicks off Q1 2025 with a 2.1 per cent growth spurt

    MUMBAI: Havas has announced a solid start to 2025, with organic net revenue growth of 2.1 per cent in the first quarter, aligning with its full-year projections. Reported growth surged to 5.2 per cent, driven by recent acquisitions and favourable currency effects.

    Havas CEO & chairman Yannick Bolloré, highlighted the agency’s performance, particularly in North and Latin America. He added: “We continue to focus on the group’s development, through the global roll-out of our “Converged” strategy and operating system – which is powered by the best data, tech and AI – the expansion of our capacity in high-growth sectors, and an unwavering commitment to creative excellence. We are therefore confirming our objectives for 2025, while keeping a close eye on the global geopolitical and economic situation, in order to respond quickly and effectively, supporting our clients and teams in this context. I’d like to thank our clients for their trust, and highlight the dedication of our talented teams worldwide, who are key to our success.”

    In Q1, Havas acquired CA Sports in Spain, Channel Bakers in the US, and Don in Argentina, strengthening its presence in sports, e-commerce, and creative sectors.

    Europe experienced a slight 0.2 per cent dip, while North America saw a 3.2 per cent increase, led by Havas Health. Latin America delivered a robust 16.6 per cent growth. APAC & Africa continued to post satisfactory organic growth, with net revenue up 1.9 per cent year on year, driven by Havas Media. 

    Despite economic uncertainties, Havas maintains its 2025 guidance: organic net revenue growth above two per cent, an adjusted EBIT margin between 12.5 and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40 per cent. The agency also confirmed its 2028 medium-term financial targets.

    Havas agencies continue to receive industry recognition, with Uncommon New York named “Agency of the Year” by Campaign, and Havas Play topping the French agency list in the WARC Media 100 Ranking.

     

  • Cifdaq doubles down on firepower with high-stakes C-suite shake-up

    Cifdaq doubles down on firepower with high-stakes C-suite shake-up

    MUMBAI: There’s a storm brewing in the crypto world, and Cifdaq Group is flying straight into it — but not without bolstering its cockpit first. The blockchain beast has just recruited two heavyweight copilots to chart its next big leap in the Indian and global markets. Enter: Ankur Sharma as group chief financial officer (CFO) and Smrita Singh Chandra as group chief brand and communications officer (CBCO).

    These aren’t just titles to slap on a LinkedIn update. Sharma and Chandra bring over 35 years of combined experience to a Web3 outfit that’s got its eyes set on a multi-billion-dollar future. According to company brass, the move is about more than beefing up the leadership bench — it’s a statement of intent.

    “The cryptocurrency industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, projected to attain a valuation of $5 billion globally by 2030. These appointments are part of our strategy to build a future-ready leadership team capable of navigating rapid change, scaling operations, and creating meaningful impact. Ankur will be instrumental in refining our financial strategy, strengthening investor relations, and enabling sustainable growth. Smrita’s strategic storytelling expertise will be key to building trust and strengthening engagement across stakeholders—from consumers and regulators to partners worldwide. Together, they will help us fortify our foundation, drive innovation, and elevate our brand as we continue to lead in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. We’re excited to welcome them aboard at this transformative moment,” said Cifdaq group founder & chairman Himanshu Maradiya.

    Sharma comes packing some serious numbers. With a track record that includes turbocharging boAt’s omni-channel revenue almost threefold in under three years, he’s now in charge of cracking the crypto-finance code at Cifdaq. Past roles at Cravatex (FILA, VANS), AGS Group and Reliance Capital make Sharma less of a CFO and more of a revenue ninja.

    “Cifdaq Group is at the cutting edge of blockchain and digital finance, and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to support its acceleration towards the next chapter. With a strong foundation in place, my focus will be on refining our financial strategy to unlock new growth opportunities, streamline operations, and ensure that we’re well positioned to deliver long-term value to both, our users and investors”, said Sharma.

    Chandra, meanwhile, joins the war room with a megaphone in one hand and a brand manual in the other. With nearly two decades shaping brand and policy narratives — from Dream11 to Fedex to Jet Airways — she’s the communications powerhouse Cifdaq wants as it courts regulators, dodges FUD, and chases user trust.

    “Joining Cifdaq at this pivotal moment is an exciting opportunity and a challenge. As we redefine the future of blockchain and financial technology, my focus is on amplifying our brand voice and reinforcing our values—transparency, trust, compliance, and innovation—to connect meaningfully with both Indian and global communities”, she said.

    With the crypto market ballooning and India’s digital asset debate simmering on low heat, these appointments mark a crucial play. If the future of finance is being rewritten, Cifdaq wants a firm grip on the pen — and it just handed it to two of the sharpest scribes around.

  • Home run for Home Credit as Vivek Singh takes charge as CEO

    Home run for Home Credit as Vivek Singh takes charge as CEO

    MUMBAI: The credit game just got a power boost. At its board meeting on April 7, 2025, Home Credit India appointed Vivek Singh as its new chief executive officer, marking a strategic move under the TVS Holdings umbrella to chart the next phase of growth. With over two decades of experience across financial services and digital innovation, Singh’s appointment signals a future focused on scale, inclusion, and tech-led transformation.

    Known for his hands-on leadership and sharp strategic insight, Singh has previously held senior roles in top financial institutions, steering businesses through periods of exponential growth. As he steps into his new role at Home Credit India, he brings with him a vision rooted in accessibility and responsible lending.

    TVS Holdings director K Gopala Desikan, said on this appointment: “Home Credit India has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion across the country. We are confident that Vivek’s deep understanding of the Indian financial landscape, particularly in the consumer & retail finance space, coupled with his proven ability to drive growth and innovation, will be invaluable as we move forward and strengthen the business of Home Credit India and build upon its strong foundation.”

    Home Credit India CEO Vivek Singh said, “It’s an honour to lead Home Credit India at a time when technology is revolutionising how we serve customers.  I am committed to fostering innovation, enhancing customer experience, and expanding access to responsible credit. Home Credit India’s strong market presence provides a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our offerings, broaden our reach, and drive greater financial inclusion across the country. Together with the team, I look forward to shaping a more inclusive, responsible and tech-forward financial ecosystem in India.”

    An MBA with numerous industry accolades under his belt, Singh has earned a reputation for building future-ready financial ecosystems. At Home Credit, he will lead efforts to broaden the reach of affordable credit while ensuring it’s delivered transparently and responsibly.

    As the company pivots toward more tech-forward operations, Singh’s leadership is expected to catalyse a new era for Home Credit India one where innovation meets impact, and finance meets inclusivity.

  • Statiq powers up local EV push across Chandigarh, Kerala, and Bengaluru

    Statiq powers up local EV push across Chandigarh, Kerala, and Bengaluru

    MUMBAI: Statiq, has unveiled a dynamic hyperlocal campaign across Chandigarh, Kerala, and Bengaluru. This city-focused initiative is designed to strengthen local engagement, boost app usage, and enhance Statiq’s presence as India’s most accessible and trusted EV charging solution.

    With over 8,000 chargers across the country, Statiq continues to expand its infrastructure and simplify EV access through its unified app. This new campaign blends on-ground activations, digital promotions, regional influencer content, and mass media outreach to create a city-specific impact that resonates with local EV users.

    Statiq founder & CEO Akshit Bansal said, “EV adoption in India is no longer restricted to Tier-one metros. Real change is happening at the hyperlocal level in residential neighbourhoods, on highways, and in community hubs. With this campaign, we want to build lasting relationships with our users by being visible, trustworthy, and accessible at every touchpoint. Chandigarh, Kerala, and Bengaluru are just the beginning we’re excited to take this momentum to more cities in the coming months.”

    Kerala and Bengaluru alone now host over 400 and 600 public Statiq chargers, respectively. The campaign highlights these figures through targeted local storytelling and incentivises new app users with promo codes KRL200, CHD150, and BLR100 offering wallet credits for first-time downloads.

    To connect with varied audiences, Statiq is working with regional influencers to deliver city-specific EV stories in local languages. The campaign also includes print and radio tie-ups to reach non-digital audiences, particularly first-time EV adopters.

    App-based notifications, Whatsapp broadcasts, and real-time digital ads on platforms like Meta and Google are being used to reach lapsed users and create visibility. Additionally, community activations and physical stalls are showcasing the app’s ease of use and seamless charger access.

    This campaign follows Statiq’s recent ‘One Country, One App, All EV Chargers’ initiative, aimed at consolidating India’s fragmented charging landscape into a single, user-friendly experience.

    By weaving together technology, regional relevance, and user-first design, Statiq is further accelerating India’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive mobility one city at a time.